Selective signaling system



June 1, 1948. w. A. MARRISON 2,2,702

SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 20, 1945 4' Sheets-Sheet 1 III I ET

FIG. '3

FIG: 6'

FIG 2 FIG ywmron W A. MA RIP/S ON By MY MUJM ATTORNEY June 1, 1948. Q N 2,442,702

SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 20, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

nvvavron W A. MARE/SON W Wxhqm.

J1me 1948- w. A. MARRISON 2,442,792

SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 20, 1945 4 Sheets-She et 5 FIG. 3

. I I I 3 Ni l |-|-F+ INVENTOR By WAMARR/SON WVM ATTORNEY cantis translating. device may Patented June 1, 1948 SELECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEM Warren A. Marrison,

to Bell Telephone New York, N. Y;, a

Maplewood, N. 3.; assig'nor Laboratories, Incorporated, corporation of New York Application September 20, 1945; SerialNo. 617,633

4 Claims.

Thiszin'vention relates torelectric signaling and translating systems 7 and particularly to those capable-.01 using difierent'methods for thee)!- pression; of, numbers.

An' object 'of'theinvention is to translate into a ;commonvsystem of notation numbers or other characters of like nature when expressed in differentasystems of notation.

Other-:objects are to realize greater flexibility in the use :ofnumbering systems andto simplify andLotherWise improve the means required for translating the electric signals representing one system of notation into those of another system.

Another object of the invention is an improved means for expressing'numbers in code and for translating. them into the decimal system of notation;

According to thepresent invention applicant has. devised :a signal translating system that is capableiof receiving series of incoming electrical impulses, representin numbers in the decimal system orincoming electrical impulses of a differentzcharacter.representing said numbers in acode' system of notation and ineither case storing, repeating, or otherwise translating the incoming-signalsein accordance with the decimal system ofnotation. More specifically appliconsist of an electr'onlbeam'tube having means for driving a cathode :beam overra series of say, ten anodes corresponding-tothe. tenvalues of adigital place in a number :in the decimal system; The potential for-drivingthe. electron beam .is accumulated on a condens'er'connected in .the external control circuits. When the incoming signal impulsesare transmitted on the decimal basis, each impulse of a digital series causes a corresponding unit charge. to be impressedupon the condenser. At the end of the series the total charge on the condenser is sufiicient to move the electron beam to the corresponding anode where it is held as a registration of the digital value. system of notation is .used, a plurality of code condensers-are employed, one for each element orthe-code; and the charges impressed upon thesecode -condensers are. subsequently transferred to -the beam controlling condenser; If, forexample, the code: is one having five possible elements, some pair of elements of the five servinglto' express-each of the numbers, the pair of code condensers receiving charges for each numbet-transfer their charges to the beam controllingpondensernwhere they are'added to give a total: charge which is capable Of deflecting the electron beam to the particular anode represent- When the code mg the valueof =the'correspondingmumbr in the decimal system. A keyboard of five keys or any other suitable means may beused for settin up the coded-numbers.-- V

A feature'of the invention is a-translating systemin' which the code condensers have different capacity-values and :inwhich the additionof the charges on any tWO of-those'condensers rep resenting arcoded number gives a totalcharge bearing a definite-relation tothe number in terms ofthe electron'beam deflection. 1

Another and relateddeaturelor the invention is a translating systemofthe character described in which an-auxiliary ,condenser is provided for subtracting a fixedamount of charge from the summation of the charges transferred from the code condensers -tothe beam .controllingwcondensen By subtractingfiafixed amount from the sum-of the charges aresulting charge is obtained which corresponds exactly tothe decimal value of the number.- 7 The foregoing and other -features of the-invention will :be-discussed more fully in thefollowingdetailed specification;

Inthe-drawings accompanying thespecifization:

Figs. 1, 2 and-l3, when taken in the order v ilustrated in Fig; 6, disclose a signaling and translating-system incorporating the features of :the present invention-Fig.- 1 shows animpulse transmitter andassociated circuits for sending impulses inraccordance withthe decimal system. Fig. 2 illustrates a=keyboard and associated circuits' for settinguprnumbers in accordance with acode' systemof'notation; and Fig. 3 illustrates a beam tube for recei-vingthe numbers or-characters represented ineither system of notation;

Figss4-and 5 are tables :of codes for the expression' of number or-other characters.

The electron-beam tube- -l, whichservesas a translating device,is provided with a cathode 2 for. producing a beam-3 .-of electrons; an accelerating anode 4,-and-twosets of defle'ctor plates- 5-6 and 1-8; 'I'hetube -1's--a-lso (provided with a series often objective anodes 9, ID; I I-, I2, etc.; one -for eacho1 the-numerals of the decimalsy-stem; and a normal positionanode l9 on-which:the beam 3 normallyrests. The forward end-of-the tube l is additionally equipped with a-commonelectrodei zll'which may take'the' formof a .plate or other suitable shape; The electrode 211i lies behind the series of objective anodes and is. so positioned that it interc'eptsthe electron beam .when the latter isnot-in full engagement with'one of the objective anodes.

to an anode cor- Numbers represented by any suitable code may also be registered by the beam tube I. a keyboard consisting of five keys 23 to 28, inclusive, is provided for establishing charges on corresponding condensers CI, C2, C3, C5 and C8.

While any desired code system of notation may .To this endv be used, the one here illustrated comprises five being represented by a comthese units. The first code unit, corresponding to the depression of key 24, is expressedbythe charge on condenser Cl. The second code unit, corresponding to the depression ofkey 25, is expressed by the charge on condenser 02, the value of which is twice that of condenser Cl. Similarly, the third code unit is expressed by the charge on condenser C3, which units, each number bination of two of is three times the value of the charge on condenser CI; and in like manner the last two units are expressed by the charges on condensers C5 and CB, which are respectively five and eight times the value of the charge on condenser Cl. To express any desired number from 1 to 10, inclusive, two of the keys are depressed, and the charges on the two corresponding condensers are transferred to and added on the storage condenser 2,3, which in turn serves to impress the accumulated voltage on the control plates 5 and 6 of the tube Condenser 23 has a capacity many times greater than condensers C1 to C8 The code system of notation employed herein may be betterv understood from an examination of the tables in Figs. 4 and 5. From these tables it will be noted that the capacities of the condensers are such that the sum of the charges on any two consecutive condensers is equal to the capacity of the succeeding condenser. With this relationship of charges, if ten combinations of two each are chosen for the ten numerals, starting with condenser C| and proceeding accordingly, the sums of these combinations of charges occur in the order illustrated in the last column of Fig. 4:. That is to say, the sum of the first combination of two charges (C1+C2) is three, the sum of the succeeding combination (01-1-03) is four,fetc., to the sum' of the last combination (C5+C8) which is thirteen. It will be seen, of course, that the numbers in the last column of Fig. 4 do not correspond to the ten cardirial numbers of the decimal system, However, if the number 2 is subtracted from each one of these Sums and the results rearranged as illustrated in Fig. 5, the ten cardinal numbers 1 to 10 are obtained, with the one exception that the number 11 appears instead of number 10, a variation which is taken care of in a manner to be explained hereinafter. The subtraction of a constant number, numberZ, from each of the combination sums is efiected by means of a small condenser 29 whichis arranged to be connected in opposition to the storage condenser 23 on which the combination sum is accumulated.

A description of the operation of the system will now be given, and for this purpose assume charging condenser Cl.

first that a'number in the decimal system is to be transmitted to and registered by the beam tube More specifically, assume that the transmitting dial 2| is manipulated to send a series of eight impulses. Before operating the dial 2| a key 33 is closed to complete the operating circuit of relay 22, Relay 22 closes an obvious circuit for slow release relay 3 l, which in turn closes an operating circuit for slow relay 32. While relay 3| is operated and before relay 32 has attracted its armatures a circuit is closed for dis- This circuit may be traced from the upper terminal of the condenser through the front contacts of relay 3|, normal contacts of1re1ay 32, conductor 33 to the lower terminal of-the condenser. After a brief interval relay 32 operates and opens the discharge circuit of the condenser."

On the vopening of the circuit for the first impulse relay 22 releases, but relay 3|, being slow. maintains its armatures attracted. The slow release relay 38 is now operated in acircuit frombattery through its winding, front contact of relay3l, back c'ontactof relay 22 to ground, Relay 38, being slow to release, remains operated durin subsequent operations of the impulse relay 22. The release of relay 22 also closes a charging circuit for condenser. Cl, which may be traced from the positive pole of battery 34 over conductor 33, condenser Cl, resistor 35, front contacts of relay 32, conductor 38, back contacts of relay 22, front contacts of relay 3|, conductor 3? to the negative pole of battery 34. A definite predetermined charge is accumulated on condenser 01 during the open period of the impulse. This charge accumulated by condenser C which, as will be seen, is sufiicient to advance the electron beam 3 from one anode to the next, may be regarded as a charge of unit value. At the end of this first open period the contacts of dial 2| close, and relay 22 reoperates. The charged condenser CI is now connected to the larger storage condenser 23 for the purpose of transferring its accumulated charge thereto. The circuit for this transfer may be traced from the upper terminal of condenser Cl, resistor 35, front contacts of relay 32, conductor 36, front contacts of relay 22, front contacts of relay 38, conductor 39, condenser 23, conductor 33 to the lower terminal of condenser C|. Upon the next opening of the 1 dial contacts, relay 22 releases and condenser Cl is recharged for the second impulse. When the dial contacts close at the end of the second impulse, relay 22 operates, and the charge on condenser Cl is transferred to condenser 23 where it is added to the charge representing the previous impulse. In like manner each of the succeeding impulses results in the addition of an incremental charge to the condenser 23.

It will be noted that the condenser 23 is connected across the control plates 5 and G of the tube over a circuit traceable from the left terminal of condenser 23, back contacts of relay 40, conductor 4|, plates 5 and 6, conductor 42, front contacts of relay 32, conductor 43, back contacts of relay 23 to the right terminal of condenser 2 As each charge increment is added to condenser 23, the corresponding voltage applied to the plates 5 and 6 causes the beam 3 .to step from one anode to the next until at the end of the series of eight impulses the beam 3 is brought to rest onthe No. 8 anode |3.

When the last impulse of the series has been transmitted, relay 22 holds its armatures attracted, and relay 38 releases after a brief interval.

its'eriginarposinen on the llol'fmal position anode I9; deviation of the" 'loeamcauses" it to inipinge partiany on the back eIe Theumpingement' offthe beam on electrode 2!; causes the establishment or a' circuit which may betraeea from tlifpositive pole of battery 34, correcting" plates Valid 8'," electrode 29, team 3, cathode 2 to the negative p'olof battery 34} "The voitageapplied to plates 1 and '8 duets partial impingement of the beam on'back plate 20 1s of SUCH-11561311? 'that 'it prevents further drift of the beam" towards "its" normal position but retains thelbeainhh "the selected ano'df This feature is" disclosed .m'ore fully in 'applicants copendi'ng application Serial No. B17,-631,'file'd September 20, i i. i. U

' With the beam 3 established and maintained in engagement with the selected anode! 3 a voltage is setup across the resistor 44 in the we e circult which may be used for any desired purpose. When the registration of the digit by the tube l is no longer required, thebeam 3]may be restored to its normal position in any convenient manner. 'In'the; "circuits illustrated this is accomplishedbyopening the key 30' to release the impulse relay '22.- The" release of relay 22 results in the reoperation of relay 38 in the circuit previouslyiti'acd; After an interval relay 3| releases, and at the end of a .further interval relays 32 and 38 release. However, while relays 32 and 38 are maintaining their armatures operated following the release of relay 3| a circuit is closed for discharging the condenser 23. This circuit may be traced from the right terminal of said condenserhconductor 39, front contacts of relay 38, baQk, ;c ntacts of relay 3I., front contacts of re- 1ay 32,, conductor 33. to the opposite terminal of condenser 23,, Condenser .23 is. discharged in this circuit and is ready for thenext.. use. The discharge of the condenser removes the voltage from plates and "5 permitting the beam 3 to restore to its normal position anode l9.

Assume next that it is desired to register the decimal digit 8 on the beam tube l by means of the code keys shown in Fig. 2. Reference to Fig. 5 will show that the digit 8 is represented by the sum of the charges on condensers C2 and C3 when corrected by subtracting a fixed charge of two units. This subtraction, it will be remembered, is performed by the small condenser 29 as will presently be explained in greater detail. Inasmuch as the keys 24 to 28, inclusive, correspond respectively to condensers Cl, C2, C3, C5 and C8, the operator depresses keys 25 and 23 simultaneously for the purpose of setting up the digit 8. Key 25 operates the associated relay 46, and key 28 operates the associated relay 49. Relays 45 to 49, inclusive, serve to maintain the condensers Cl, 02, C3, C5 and C8 in a charged condition and, on operating, to transfer the charges on the condensers to the storage condenser 23. The charging circuit for condenser CI, for example, may be traced from the positive pole of battery 34, conductor 33, condenser CI, resistor 35, normal contacts of relay 32, normal contacts of relay 45 to the negative pole of battery 34. Similar chargingv circuits may densers:

' Whenany pair of .the key-operated -relays are energized the charges on their associatedljconidensers areitransferred cumulativelyto .the condenser 23. Preparatory tothe transter oathe charges, relay filliis operatediover a circuit which depends uponthe enengizationmofsa pair ofs-the re1ays45to ll-inclusive. In the present instance, theoperatin circuitQfor relay Munay betra-ced from. battery through the i right winding. of ;said relay} conductor/5 l closed. contacts of relays 4 9 andAGJto ground. Relay...'40 locks in a. circuit from battery "through its left winding, conductor be traced for the other coni- Q2 nd, C8 ,are transferred; cumulatively. to. con.-

denser 23.v The transfer.,.circuj it. .ior. condenser CZ-may be tracedfromthe upper terminallorlsaid condenser, resistor 59., front contact. ofs-relayim, front, contact of relay Mycondenser .23,-.- conducjtor Similarlysthe charge onwcondenser cfi is, trans.- ferredover a circuit including resistor. v53 and the front, contacts ofrelays ifl and 4G,.

It, should be, noted atthis point. that thekey'e board for charging the code condensers CJ CZ, C3,;C5 sand. .08 may. take other suitable forms. For instance, it may comprise ,ten;keys-,Lone.for each of the cardinal-numbers :1'.to..0.. In this Case t ewntacts ofeachkey wouldlbewired in an obvious, manner .to operate the .painof relays 45 to 4 9 representing the desired code.. 4 Following the. transfer .of .the charges to the condenser 23,,the depressed keys arereleased'to release the associated relays A6 land-149... Thereupon relay 40 releases, the charges oncondensers Brand 29, are added algebraically, and th resultant voltage is applied totheiplatesj andfi The circuit :for

this purpose. may be Itwill be recalled that the sum of the charges on condenser 23 has a value of IO move to the No. 8 anode I3.

When the registration is no longer required the reset key 55 is operated, and obvious circuits closed for discharging condensers 23 and 29. The discharge of the condensers permits the 2 from this value leaves a charge of 11 units rather than one variations will occur is deflected to a position on the anode I4 corresponding to the number 11. However, the work resistor connected to the anode l4 represents the digit 10. I

It will be understood that many changes and to those skilled in the art both for the controlling circuits and for the structural arrangements of the beam tube. Other codes may be devised and other means for impressing numbers and characters in accordance with these codes upon the tube for registration or other forms of translation. All of these, however, are believed to come within the scope of applicants invention as defined in the appended claims.

Where in the claims a decimal system of notation is referred to, this is not to be construed as limiting the claims to a scale-of-ten system of notation since the invention is equally applicable to other than scale-of-ten number systems, the term decimal being used for brevity of expression.

What is claimed is: r

1. The combination in a translating system of means for producing an electron beam, means for charging a plurality of condensers, each of which is a different means for selecting said charged condensers in a plurality of difierent combinations to represent numbers in code, deflecting electrodes adjacent to the path of said beam, a beam controlling condenser connected to said electrodes, means for combining the component charges on said selected condensers representing any desired number in said beam controllin condenser, to electrostatically deflect said electron beam to a position indicative of said number.

2. A signaling system comprising a plurality of condensers, each of a different multiple of a unit of capacity; means for normally charging said condensers to their respective capacities; means for selecting different combinations of said condensers, each such combination totaling to a different number of units of capacity and being respective to a difierent digit in a code system of notation; a common storage condenser; means for transferring to said storage condenser the combined charge on a selected combination of said first-mentioned condensers; and means multiple of a unit of capacity, I

responsive to the charge accumulated on said storage condenser for translating such charge into'an efiect respective to the digit corresponding to the selected combination of condensers.

3. The combination in a translating system of means for producing series of electric signals respective to different digits in the decimal system, said means comprising an impulsing device, a transfer condenser, and means for discharging and charging said condenser under control of said impulsing device; means for producing electric signals respective to said different digits but in a code system of notation, said latter means comprising a plurality of condensers including said transfer condenser, each of a different multiple of a unit of capacity, means for normally charging said condensers to their respective capacities, and means for selecting said charged condensers in a plurality of difierent combinations respective to said different digits; a storage capacitance common to each of said signal producing means for accumulating chargesfrom said transfer condenser or said selected combination of condensers upon operation of either of said signal producing means; and means responsive to the charge accumulated on said common capacitance for translating the charge thereon into an indication of the digit respective to the produced signals;

4. The combination of the preceding claim in which of the plurality of condensers'comprise'd in said second-mentioned signal producing means, the condenser of smallest capacity is the transfer condenser of said first-mentioned signal producing means.

- WARREN A. MARRISON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the 

